'WAP' Power
“There are some double standards in this house, double standards in this house...” Now, that certainly is not as catchy as the sampled track featured at the beginning of Cardi B’s latest track, “WAP,” featuring Megan Thee Stallion. But, it accurately describes the double standards that exist in Hip Hop.
After the release of their highly anticipated, provocative track on August 7th, the two leading female rappers polarized the internet. The track’s star-studded, vibrant music video and explicit lyrics sparked a multitude of debates online. Whether it was about the stars featured in the video or the song’s message, it seems as though everyone had something to say about “WAP.” Amidst all these conversations, the main focus has been on Cardi and Meg’s uncensored and unapologetic lyrics.
Now, raunchy, explicit, and sexual lyrics are nothing new in the Hip Hop world. For years, the industry has praised songs such as “Slob On My Knob” by Three 6 Mafia, “The Thong Song” by Cisco, “Make it Nasty” by Tyga, “Every Girl” by Young Money and the list goes on. There are three common denominators amongst all these songs. First, they all talk about sex. Secondly, these songs were extremely well received by the general public, and finally, they are all sung by male artists. Unfortunately, misogyny is deeply embedded in the Hip Hop world. Therefore, it is no surprise when major Hip Hop moguls like Jermaine Dupri and Cee Lo Green trivialize black female rappers, like Cardi B and Meg Thee Stallion, for their sexual lyrics.
This constant belittlement has led to a new wave amongst female rappers in which they boldly and unapologetically talk about what it means to be a woman in the 21st century. Today, women in society are the pinnacle of independence. Women know what they want, when they want it and how they want it. In their sultry new single, Cardi and Meg outline a woman’s independence in the bedroom.
“Look, I need a hard hitter, need a deep stroker […]Need a Henny drinker, need a weed smoker
Not a garter snake, I need a king cobra
With a hook in it, hope it lean over.”
“Tie me up like I'm surprised
Let's roleplay, I'll wear a disguise
I want you to park that big Mack truck right in this little garage.”
In addition to taking control in the bedroom, the rapping duo debunk some of the stereotypes surrounding femininity.
“I don't cook, I don't clean But let me tell you how I got this ring.”
“When I ride the d***, I'ma spell my name.”
Although these women may seem promiscuous, it is important to understand that the sexual nature of their lyrics serves as a tool for both success and confidence. In an environment where women are overtly sexualized for male consumption and inclined to be in competition with one another, “WAP” debased both of these stereotypes and gave agency back to women in the Hip Hop community.
by: Ayana Herndon and Haniyah Philogene
